About this experience
Traditionally shared during weddings and other celebrations, banana juice and beer has long been a central part of Rwandan parties. Although nowadays banana juice can be easily bought from the local store, the traditional technique for making your own brew is a much greater labour of love. Experience the whole process from tree to bottle.
At a glance
- Duration: 5 hr–8 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 5 hr–8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Local guide
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Transport from Muhanga (Gitarama) Town to the village and back
- Local taxes
- Gratuities
Not included
- Transportation to/from Muhanga (Gitarama) Town. But can be arranged for an additional payment
Itinerary and highlights
Arrive at the centre. Here you will have a briefing before departing to the rural community. Here you will be welcomed by artisans and meet the family that will be your hosts for the day. The the days activities start by cutting and collecting green bananas, then digging a hole in the ground to bury the green bananas to become ripe.
You can then help fetch water or continue to help with food preparation. Then a traditional Rwandan lunch will be served e.g. cassava and beans. This is a good time to ask your hosts about life in their community. They may have questions for you too about life in your home country.
After an hour at lunch you will dig up the ripe bananas and start the juice-making process using traditional techniques. This will take approximately 2 hours. You will depart the rural community and be transferred back to the centre for a cold drink and debrief before shopping for gifts and souvenirs at the store.
Meeting and pickup information
- Coming from Kigali as you enter Muhanga/Gitarama you will the prison on your left. After 30 metres there is a road forking off to your right; ignore this. Keep going on the main road about 100 metres further on the left hand-side of the road you will see the Azizi Life sign.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- French — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Azizi Life
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Need to book a minimum of 96 hours before the experience starts to allow enough time for the community to prepare the bananas, if you book sooner, the supplier will ask to reschedule
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
What is the cancellation policy?
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